Bengals: We're getting a rare heavyweight main event in unusual place
It's going to be a cold game in Foxborough this weekend. The Cincinnati Bengals are clearly the better team overall but nothing is guaranteed against the New England Patriots in weather conditions like Saturday's. Not to mention, the Bengals are dealing with significant injuries – most on defense – which could make this a closer […]
It's going to be a cold game in Foxborough this weekend. The Cincinnati Bengals are clearly the better team overall but nothing is guaranteed against the New England Patriots in weather conditions like Saturday's.
Not to mention, the Bengals are dealing with significant injuries – most on defense – which could make this a closer game than expected.
As with every good football game though, the battle in the trenches will likely define the winner of this one. And the best part about it? It starts with a heavyweight, main-event showdown in the middle of it all.
Bengals nose tackle D.J. Reader going up against Patriots center David Andrews.
Let's start with Reader. He's been out of this world this season. Sure, he won't get a Pro Bowl invite but who cares? That's just part of the business of being a nose tackle in the NFL. You go unnoticed by most. Even still, the guy is one of the best defenders in the NFL.
His ability to occupy blockers and disrupt plays in the ground for the Bengals defense is unparalleled. Look at him in the clip below generating movement with a center and guard double-teaming him against the Tennessee Titans.
The Bengals love to get Reader in those bear/odd defensive fronts and honestly, why wouldn't they? Not only does he disrupt plays but he makes life much easier for his teammates, especially the linebackers.
Now, look at how he destroys another double-team versus the Tampa Bay Buccaneers below. But also note linebacker Logan Wilson (#55) and his clear path to tackle Leonard Fournette. One of those two blockers on Reader is supposed to get to the second level and seal Wilson off. The Bengals defensive tackle has other plans, though.
But as you know, Reader is also a premium pass rusher from the inside. His totals are low since he's played only eight games this season but Reader owns the sixth-best pass rush grade by PFF and ranks 15th in pass rush win rate in "true pass sets."
This time around, the Bengals' star defender will be going up against one of the best centers in football; David Andrews. He ranks sixth in overall PFF grade at his position and has allowed only one sack and nine pressures (29th most) this season.
Rarely do we get a battle of this caliber between two of the quietest positions in football; nose tackle and offensive center. That's where my eyes will be all throughout the game on Saturday.
Featured image via Sam Greene/Cincinnati Enquirer USA TODAY NETWORK
